Builder selected for once-in-generation upgrade of AIS

Family-owned Australian company Richard Crookes Constructions has been appointed to deliver the main works for the biggest refresh in over four decades at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). 

The Australian Government has invested $249.7 million in the redevelopment, known as the AIS Podium Project, to ensure the AIS can continue to provide world-class support to athletes and sports on the road to Brisbane 2032 and beyond.   

Australian Sports Commission CEO Kieren Perkins OAM said the appointment is an exciting milestone for the AIS Podium Project and followed a competitive tender process. 

"This is another important step towards creating the facilities our athletes and sports will need to succeed in the lead up to Brisbane 2032 and beyond,” Mr Perkins said. 

"The AIS has been the home of Australian sporting excellence for more than four decades, and this redevelopment will ensure it remains at the forefront of high performance sport for generations to come. We look forward to working with Richard Crookes Constructions to bring this vision to life." 

The AIS Podium Project will deliver three key high performance sport facilities at the Canberra Campus: 

• a multi-story, up to 200 bed, fully para-accessible accommodation building 
• a large indoor Sport Dome that will provide 24/7 all-weather training facilities for track and field sports 
• a new Testing and Training Centre to provide state-of-the-art equipment and support for our athletes’ development 

Richard Crookes Constructions General Manager Major Projects ACT Grant D’Arcy said the company was proud to play a role in delivering a project that will support Australian athletes for generations to come. 

“We’re incredibly excited to be appointed as the main works contractor for the AIS Podium Project,” he said. 

“It’s great to have the opportunity to deliver facilities that will support athletes as they prepare for Brisbane 2032 and beyond, and we’re proud to work on projects that will leave a lasting legacy.” 

The AIS Podium Project builds on the ASC's recent investments in high performance infrastructure at the AIS, including the new Altitude House and Environment Chamber. Together, these projects are ensuring Australia's high performance athletes can access world-class training and performance environments on home soil. 

Work is already underway on the Canberra campus, with the original AIS athlete accommodation block, which housed Australia's Olympians, Paralympians and Commonwealth Games athletes from October 1985, being demolished to make way for the Testing and Training Centre. 

The AIS Podium Project is the first stage of the broader AIS Campus Masterplan, the Australian Sports Commission's long-term vision to ensure the AIS campus continues to evolve as Australia's leading high performance sport precinct. 

Construction of the new facilities is expected to commence later this year.